He was born Jefferson Davis Dickson Jr., in Natchez, MO but he made a name for himself in the boxing world outside of the United States.

After serving in World War I as a photographer, Dickson remained in France and in 1924 he began promoting fights. He would eventually become the owner of the famed Palais De Sport in Paris, which hosted numerous title fights. He promoted in large cities all over Europe, including London, Berlin, Brussels, Rome and Barcelona.

Dickson had an ability for nurturing fighters from early in their careers until they became champions. He is credited with building heavyweight champion Primo Carnera and also promoted Hall of Famers Young Stribling and Len Harvey. He promoted the Carnera-Paulino Uzcudun fight in Barcelona in 1930.